The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a hyped 2026 season, where they’re looking to build off their impressive first season under head coach Ben Johnson, which included an NFC North title and a wild-card playoff win. While they found success in 2025, it’s a brand new slate for this Bears team following an offseason of change, including the departures of key veterans and the additions of new veterans and exciting rookies.
The work begins in training camp, where Johnson will put his team through the wringer with the intent to prepare them for the 2026 season. Every day from now right up through training camp, we’re counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2026 season. We’ll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to 2026 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.
Next up at No. 22 is wide receiver Kalif Raymond, who brings veteran leadership to a young receiving corps, has experience with Ben Johnson’s offense and brings special teams value as a return specialist.
Background
Position: Wide receiver
Age: 31
Experience: 10th season
2026 cap hit: $3.47 million
2025 recap
Following the departure of Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who became the Bears’ head coach, Raymond saw a significant dip in production as part of Detroit’s offense under John Morton and later Dan Campbell, as the team’s fourth receiver behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Tim Patrick. Raymond caught 24 passes on 30 targets for 289 yards and one touchdown in 15 games, including three starts. But while Raymond wasn’t a factor in the receiving game, he proved to once again be a difference maker on special teams. Raymond served primarily as a punt returner, returning 32 punts for 241 yards, including a long of 65 yards, and one touchdown. He also returned six kickoffs for 161 yards with a long of 44 yards. Raymond’s best offensive showing came against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16, when he hauled in four catches on five targets for 62 yards and a touchdown.
Importance in 2026
The Bears lost a ton of veteran leadership in the receivers room this offseason, with DJ Moore being traded to the Buffalo Bills and Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay departing during free agency. Immediately, Raymond steps into that leadership role among a young crop of talent including three-year pro Rome Oduzne, second-year pro Luther Burden III and rookie Zavion Thomas. Raymond followed former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to Chicago, where he has a good understanding of how Johnson runs things and is expected to serve as the third wideout behind starters Odunze and Burden. Raymond also brings special teams value as a return specialist, where he’s a two-time All-Pro as a returner during his time with the Lions. He’s expected to compete with Thomas for that punt returner role. While Raymond isn’t going to have an extensive role in the passing game with the number of weapons at Caleb Williams’ disposal, he could prove to be key on offense and provide a spark in the return game.
Big Question: How does Raymond factor into the offense?
When you look at the Bears offense, there are a lot of mouths to feed. It’s a good problem to have, especially for head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams. But it also makes you wonder how newcomers, like Raymond, will factor into the offense. Raymond will likely serve as Chicago’s punt returner, given his special teams pedigree, but the question is how Johnson will utilize Raymond in his offense amid a myriad of weapons. Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland will be the primary targets in the passing game, and rookie Zavion Thomas could quickly work his way up the depth chart and earn playing time. When the Bears signed Raymond, Johnson talked about Raymond playing a vital part in the passing game. He acknowledged that he won’t be a 1,000-yard receiver, but he has plenty of experience in the NFL, and in Johnson’s offense, that should prove beneficial in key situations. When push comes to shove, Raymond was signed to a one-year deal, so he’s not in the long-term plans. But he could prove to be crucial this season.
30 Most Important Bears of 2026
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 30 Most Important Bears of 2026: Kalif Raymond (No. 24)
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri and Brendan Sugrue, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alyssa Barbieri and Brendan Sugrue, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
